Includes bibliographical references (p. 565-603) and indexes.

Part 1 Beginnings: conception through birth; physical development in infancy and toddlerhood; intellectual development in infancy and toddlerhood; personality and social development in infancy and toddlerhood. Part 2 Early childhood: physical and intellectual development in early childhood; personality and social development in early childhood. Part 3 Middle childhood: physical and intellectual development in middle childhood; personality and social development in middle childhood. Part 4 Adolescence: physical and emotional development in adolescence; personality and social development in adolescence. Part 5 Young adulthood: physical and intellectual development in young adulthood; personality and social development in young adulthood. Part 6 Middle adulthood: physical and intellectual development in middle adulthood; personality and social development in middle adulthood. Part 7 Late adulthood: physical and intellectual development in late adulthood; personality and social development in late adulthood. Part 8 The end of life: death and bereavement.

This updated text emphasizes the continuity of human development throughout the lifespan with an increased emphasis on cross-cultural issues. A case study on language development introduced in the first chapter, serves as a springboard for the discussion of developmental issues.